International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Muhammad Ahmad, Hua Zhou, Tanzeela Bibi, Haider Ali
Abstract: In today's digital environment, the swift advancement of interconnected technologies has raised significant worries about data safety, privacy, and reliability. The Internet of Things (IoT), networking systems, and cloud services produce and transfer large quantities of sensitive information, leaving them susceptible to cyber threats and other security risks. This research offers a detailed evaluation of how cryptography, network protection, and digital forensics work together, highlighting their combined impact on securing communication, safeguarding data integrity, and ensuring effective investigation methods. The approach to research relies on a thorough examination and combination of available literature, with a focus on major developments in cryptographic methods, network defense strategies, and forensic analysis frameworks. Particular focus is given to Homomorphic Encryption (HE), which allows processing to occur directly on encrypted information without the need for decryption, thus increasing privacy in unreliable settings such as cloud services and IoT environments. Moreover, the research includes new strategies in blockchain-centered forensics, featuring automated cost management that aligns with regulations, mapping wallet interactions, and utilizing non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as reliable audit references to enhance transparency and responsibility. The results show that cryptographic methods ensure safe data transfer, while network security strategies defend systems against unauthorized access, misuse, and cyber intrusions. At the same time, digital forensics offers a scientifically supported method for finding, preserving, and examining digital proof, tackling key evidentiary issues in today’s cyber landscape. The integration of blockchain forensics and NFTs further boosts auditability, traceability, and trust, especially within decentralized finance (DeFi) setups and intricate digital transactions. In summary, the alignment of cryptography, network protection, and digital forensics creates a strong and forward-thinking security framework that improves data safety, helps with regulatory adherence, and enhances the overall durability of contemporary digital systems.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19449141
